November 10, 2018

Anatomy of Rage

Three times I consulted with property management at Hillbrook Apartments, Austintown, Ohio, about the situation over a period of a few weeks.

The third time was yesterday. Let's put it this way: The dog was still barking.

I waited a few minutes to cool down.

Then I called the property office again.

My issue was what was the penalty cost for breaking a lease. I am three months into a 12-month renewal. Stunner: I would have to pay off all the monthly rents for the next nine months.

What built up in me was, yes, rage.

Fortunately, I am no stranger to the emotion. I did what has proven out, since enduring the oppression of professors in graduate school, to parachute me beyond the red zone: I went out to a movie. The out part is essential. Netflix doesn't do it.

After that I blew some of my budget shopping. That too is a reliable release of steam.

So, no, I didn't worsen the situation in itself. For example, marching into the property management office and setting them straight.

And I didn't let the rage seep into other aspects of my little life. There was the guy who jumped the line for free air at the convenience store. Yeah, I let it be. I knew I couldn't manage anything well.

Clearly, the burden is on the individual to bypass the triggers that can wind up pivoting us into extreme anti-social behavior.

Attention is the currency of the 21st century. Jane Genova helps you get it for products, services, points of view, causes, branding, careers after-50, and college admission.